Sermon Title: The Resurrection of the Saints and the Defeat of Satan
Revelation 20:1–10

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Main Idea

Though Satan’s power is real, his time is short—and his defeat is certain. Christ will reign, the saints will rise, and the devil will fall.

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Overview

In Revelation 20, the apostle John gives us a vision of both judgment and hope. The ancient enemy—Satan—is bound, the saints are raised to reign, and the final rebellion is crushed by God’s sovereign hand. This chapter assures believers that evil’s influence is temporary, but Christ’s kingdom is everlasting. It challenges us to live with confidence in Christ’s victory, knowing that His justice will prevail and His people will reign with Him.

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Key Themes

1. Satan’s Defeat Is Sure

Though Satan is introduced with many titles—dragon, serpent, devil, and accuser—he is subdued not by God Himself, but by a single angel. This is a clear reminder that Satan is not God’s equal. His influence is limited, and his future is sealed.

• Cross-Reference: Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

2. The Millennial Reign of Christ

John’s vision reveals a thousand-year reign in which Christ rules in righteousness and peace, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (see Isaiah 11). During this time, Satan’s deceptive voice is silenced, and Christ’s authority is visibly established on earth.

• Cross-Reference: Isaiah 11:6–9

3. The Resurrection of the Saints

Those who were faithful to Christ—even to the point of death—are raised and reign with Him. This is the “first resurrection,” not merely about timing but about identity. It includes all who belong to Christ and have passed from death to life.

• Cross-Reference: John 5:24 – “Whoever hears my word and believes… has passed from death to life.”

4. Assurance in Christ Alone

John proclaims a blessing over those who share in the first resurrection: the second death—eternal separation from God—has no power over them. This offers deep assurance to believers, especially in times of persecution or hardship.

• Cross-Reference: Romans 8:35–39 – “Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

5. Satan’s Final Rebellion and Eternal Judgment

Even after a thousand years of Christ’s reign, Satan returns to deceive. Humanity’s readiness to follow him underscores the depth of sin apart from grace. Yet his rebellion is short-lived, and his destruction is final—he is cast into the lake of fire forever.

• Cross-Reference: Ezekiel 38–39 (Gog and Magog imagery)

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Scripture Insights

• Revelation 20:1–3 – Satan’s power is restrained by God’s authority.
• Revelation 20:4–6 – The faithful reign with Christ; their resurrection brings reward, not fear.
• Revelation 20:7–10 – Evil makes a final stand, but it is swiftly and decisively crushed by the hand of God.

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Application

1. Do not fear Satan—but do not forget he is real.
   As C.S. Lewis warned, both disbelief and obsession are dangerous. Recognize Satan’s tactics, but rest in Christ’s supremacy.
2. Live with resurrection hope.
   If you belong to Christ, the second death cannot touch you. Let that truth fuel your faith and courage.
3. Prepare to reign, not retreat.
   Believers are not merely survivors—they are heirs who will reign with Jesus. Live now in light of that coming reality.
4. Cling to the gospel.
   Victory is not earned by works but secured by Christ. Stand firm in His grace and proclaim His name boldly.

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Closing Thought

The story does not end in defeat—it ends in victory. Satan will fall, the saints will rise, and Jesus will reign forever. Until that day comes, live with the confidence of one who already knows the ending: Jesus wins—and in Him, we do too.

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